Sydney Jordan’s Sentara Nightingale Story

At age 28, Sydney Jordan was a self-proclaimed adventure-seeker and ”‘adrenaline junkie.” Whether bungee jumping, diving with Great White sharks or working as a yacht captain, Sydney was always in search of her next adventure. In the fall of 2021, just before setting sail on another yachting job, she spent the weekend visiting with friends and family back home in Virginia. November 14 is a day Sydney will never forget, a day when her love for adventure took a dangerous turn. A dirt bike accident led to the ride of a lifetime — a helicopter transport on the Sentara Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance. This ride would save her leg and the life she knew.

From the accident site in Pungo, Va., Sydney was initially transported to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach. She remembers thinking she’d just suffered a bad break — which was confirmed by a CT scan that showed a fracture in both her tibia and fibula. But, shortly after having her leg reset, she was awaiting surgery when a member of her Sentara care team noticed Sydney had no pulse in her foot. From there, things unfolded quickly.

“They told me I’d need to be transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital,” Sydney recalls. “I assumed I’d be taken in an ambulance, but I quickly realized the urgency of the situation when they told me I’d be transported by helicopter. I was scared to death, but the Nightingale team comforted me the entire way.”

When Sydney arrived at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, she was greeted by a team of clinicians and renowned vascular surgeon Jean Panneton, MD. As a result of her injuries, Sydney had developed acute compartment syndrome, a painful condition that occurs when pressure in the muscles builds up — causing decreased blood flow that can lead to amputation if not treated quickly enough. “Before I went under anesthesia, I remember meeting Dr. Panneton. I was reassured by his calm confidence. When he told me I was in good hands and that he’d do everything possible to save my leg, I believed him.”

Sydney then underwent a successful and highly complex vascular surgery that saved her leg — thanks in part to the speed of transport offered by Nightingale. During the two weeks that followed, Sydney would undergo three more surgeries and began the long road to recovery. When she was discharged on Nov. 26, Sydney was in a wheelchair and couldn’t do much for herself. She moved in with her parents for the much-needed help that would get her through the next several months of therapy.

Sydney says the incredible care and support she received from friends, family and her Sentara care team allowed her to maintain a good attitude. “The love and care I felt from everyone was so overwhelming. When I think about all the nurses and doctors who were there for me during my hospital stay and the physical therapist who helped me get back on my feet, I just start to tear up. Throughout the entire experience, I never felt alone, and everyone at Sentara treated me like a friend or family — not like just another patient.”

Nearly two years later, Sydney is walking normally, doing yoga and living life to the fullest — and she believes the whole experience led her to where she is today. Her latest adventure is being a new parent along with her partner, Zach. “Building this family and enjoying a quieter, slower pace of life is all the excitement we need right now — and we’re having a blast with it.”

Sydney is incredibly grateful for the lifesaving care she received from Sentara, particularly from the trauma, vascular, orthopedic, nursing and physical therapy teams that supported her. She says the Nightingale helicopter ride made it all possible.

“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today physically if it weren’t for Nightingale — I was in a true make-or break situation, and my positive outcome makes me so thankful for this important service and the generous donors who make it possible.”

Nightingale provides life-saving transport for every critically ill and injured patient who needs it regardless of their ability to pay. While the air ambulance service has been in operation for 40 years, Sentara is continually investing in the most advanced equipment and technology to keep Nightingale running as quickly and safely as possible.

The Sentara Foundation is working to raise $1 million to equip Nightingale with an updated, state of-the-art GPS navigation system that allows for faster response times. We’re nearly 95% to our goal with nearly $950,000 raised so far.

For patients like Sydney, every minute matters when it comes to receiving trauma care. To make a lasting impact, consider making your gift today at SentaraNightingale.com.